The Witch Fairy

October brings crisp air, fall leaves and best of all – treats! Throughout the month, the USO Naples team of volunteers and staff transformed into the Witch Fairy and surprised military families living in base housing on Support Site each week with a different Halloween themed treat. The element of surprise spread excitement throughout the base as families anxiously waited to see if they had a treat at their door. The past few months in Italy have been spent battling and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and many military families have been searching for ways to stay connected to their community, home and country during this unprecedented time. This safe, contactless program gave community members something to look forward to every week despite the changes and restrictions being made because of the pandemic.

Sweet treats varied from week to week with deliveries like homemade cookies, buttery Rice Krispy treats, candy coated popcorn and towards the end of the month… candy! The Witch Fairy program also created safe engagement opportunities within our volunteer community. Volunteers who enjoy baking were able to get creative and show off their baking skills in the kitchen and those who enjoy dressing up for the holiday were able to put on a pair of wings every week and deliver these wonderful treats. USO Naples Center Operations Specialist, Kayla developed this program into an enlightening and positive outreach initiative that allowed the USO to reach as many residents on base as possible. The treats were delicious but the sweetest thing about the Witch Fairy program was seeing the joy that it brought to everyone who was visited.